Got Grit?

courage (kur-ij, kuhr-ij)
(noun) The quality of mind or spirit that enables a person to face difficulty, danger or pain without fear; bravery.

Of the many positive character traits addressed in a character education curriculum, courage is foundational to helping students stand up for what is right, become leaders and achieve goals. Creating, acting out, analyzing and reflecting on scenarios that require courage can help students develop skills to resist negative peer pressure, speak out against injustice and make choices based on core values. Read more: Courage Scenarios to Use in the Classroom

Read:

Spaghetti in a Hot Dog Bun written by Maria Dismondy, illustrated by Kim Shaw

“Lucy, Lucy, eats stinky food that puts us all in a big, bad mood!”  How can Ralph be so mean, Lucy wonders?  Lucy is one of a kind, and Ralph loves to point that out. Lucy’s defining moment comes when Ralph truly needs her help. Because she knows what she stands for, Lucy has the courage to make the right choice. This charming story empowers children to always do the right thing and to be proud of themselves even when they are faced with someone as challenging as Ralph.

There are many stories of bravery and courage. When have you taken yourself out of your comfort zone? What have you attempted and failed? Did you have the courage to try again? Got Grit? Prove it! Share your story below.  

Cardboard Challenge

Ms. Eyer and Mrs. McBride are sponsoring SOCES “Out of Box” Challenge for October. Students in grade 1-5 are encouraged to participate and use problem solving skills and creativity to design and create a masterpiece. Identify a problem and create a solution using any sized cardboard box.

The following stories can inspire you to be imaginative, think critically and creatively, be resourceful and ingenious!

Cain’s Arcade

Antoinetter Portis’ picture book, Not a Box

Hacking the book The Most Magnificent Thing, by Ashley Spires.

Aarambh’s Help Desk

Follow this link to view Cottage Lane’s 2013 Participants – “Out of Box” Entries

Rules:
You can use cardboard, tape and 20% recyclable materials for your project.
You may not buy anything to add to your cardboard box.
The box can be as small as a jewelry box to as large as a refrigerator box. No boxes larger than 4ft x 4ft x 6ft will be accepted.
You can enter as a single entry or as a team. Team can consist up to 4 members.
Entries must be submitted to Mrs. McBride or Ms. Eyer by October 21st.
All entries must have submission form securely attached to project.

Download a copy of the entry form:
Cardboard Challenge Individual Entry Form
Cardboard Challenge Team Entry Form

Simple projects may take a few hours while others may take days or weeks. Problem solve, talk about what is working and what is not working. Be optimistic. You will learn to solve problems and you will tackle real-world issues.

Strap on your thinking caps and get ready to make something spectacular out of cardboard!

Homework – Week of 9/15/14

Reading Log : Read with a family member for 15 minutes every day. Record the Title and Author in your Reading Log. You should have 4 entries by the end of the week.

Fundations: Practice forming the letters: o,g,d,s,e and u this week in your Fundations packet. Take time to form your letters correctly. Remember to use the proper pencil grip and do your personal best. Use this Letter Formation Guide to help.

Homework – Week of 9/8/14

Reading Log: Read with a family member for 15 minutes every day.  Record the title and Author in your Reading Log.  You should have 4 entries by the end of the week.

Fundations: Practice forming the letters: t,b,h,m, c,a, i and r this week in your Fundations packet.  Take time to form your letters correctly. Remember to use the proper pencil grip and do your personal best.  Use this Letter Formations Guide to help you. 

Tuesday –

Wednesday –

Thursday –

 

 

Welcome to 1st Grade!

welcome-back-to-schoolWelcome to First Grade! I hope you enjoyed your summer.  I imagine that you have created some special memories.  We are about to embark on an exciting journey together. Our blog will serve as our major communication throughout the year.  Here you will find information on homework assignments, class activities, current events, calendar, etc.  Here is a hard copy of the letter sent home today – Welcome Back!

Don't forget to view our calendar to see what special we have. Also… remember a snack!

Ground Hog Day

groundhogdayThere is a legend that says a few hundred years ago Europeans brought Ground Hog Day to America. They said that the ground hog wakes up from his hibernation on February 2. (February 2 is half way between winter and spring.) If he comes up from his hole and it is sunny, he will see his shadow and be frightened. If he sees his shadow, there will be 6 more weeks of winter weather. But if he comes up and the sky is cloudy, he will not see his shadow and will not be frightened. Then spring weather will come very soon. Watch these videos about groundhogs and Groundhog Day. Post one interesting fact you learned. If the fact is already posted, please post a different fact.

Additional Resources: